Through analysis on the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles‚ I found that my understanding was deepened by my knowledge of major themes shown through Sophocles’ use of symbolism‚ paradox‚ and setting. This led to a deeper understanding regarding existentialism and man’s pursuit for knowledge itself. During a discussion on symbolism‚ Oedipus’ fate was linked to a quote by Randy Pausch: “We cannot change the cards we are dealt‚ only how we play the hand.” One of the themes Sophocles makes prevalent throughout
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Throughout the Oedipus trilogy by Sophocles‚ the Greek concept of hubris is a prominent cause of the constant disastrous results. Most characters who show great pride and self-confidence have disastrous consequences. The character most represented by this shortcoming is none other than Oedipus. Oedipus constantly shows his weakness of excessive pride. After learning about the prophecy‚ Oedipus ran away from his foster parents [believing they are his real parents] so he wouldn’t fulfil the prophecy
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Though Oedipus’ decisions are often driven by self-interest‚ he ultimately is devoted to the people of Thebes and values their well being more than his own. His commitment to his citizens can be seen in various instances. The first is during a series of unfortunate events that torments the city‚ the root of it being a plague. Seeking help from their king‚ the Thebans turn to Oedipus for help. In hopes of eliminating the plague‚ he attempts to fulfill Apollo’s commands for the murderer of Laios to
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It seems as if only the gods could be blamed for the tragic ending of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King. How could one not blame them‚ for they placed a prophecy on the king‚ his wife and their son‚ sending them to their dreadful doom. Perhaps there is more to be seen in this famous Greek tragedy. Perhaps the blame does not belong completely to the gods‚ but to the victims of the prophecy. Sophocles exemplifies this throughout the play using methods of symbolism‚ actions and words. From the get go of
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that is associated with impending doom. One such example is found in the tale of Oedipus Rex‚ the tragic hero of Thebes who is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus learns that in attempting to run away from the prophecy‚ he fulfills it instead. After blinding himself in shame‚ Oedipus bemoans to his friends that “my measure of ills fills my measure of woe; Author was none‚ but I” (Sophocles 47). Oedipus laments the fact that he was the one who authored his fate as he tried to run
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Equity ought to be given to the individuals who are decently or humble‚ in any case‚ in "Oedipus the King" that was lamentably not the situation. He was a man true to his word. Carried his intellect with extravagant honor‚ yet he was dejectedly destined to great errors by the Gods. He wanted to look for who killed Laius‚ respectively‚ but it was himself unknowingly. Making the justice he should have received utterly forgotten. From the get go he tried his best to protect his parents’ and himself
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Oedipus‚ in Sophocles’ classic play‚ “Oedipus the King‚” is a dynamic character. Oedipus is crowned king of Thebes because he solves the riddle of the Sphinx that ends the crippling plague. Creon‚ Oedipus’ foil character‚ and is a static character throughout the play he remains rational and calm as Oedipus begins to become more and more agitated . Throughout the play Oedipus proves himself to be cocky‚ stubborn‚ and hotheaded. On the other hand‚ Creon is honest‚ gentle‚ even tempered‚ and forthright
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Oedipus Rex In the story Oedipus Rex‚ Oedipus is a seeker of knowledge and truth. The truth in this case is seen as a negative factor in the play. He struggles to uncover Laius’s murderer and his own identity despite numerous warnings that he should leave the truth alone. He also tries to overcome the reality of having children’s with his own biological mother. His pursuit of knowledge and truth‚ however‚ results in ruin as Oedipus uncovers his destiny‚ and finds he was better off not knowing
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Katie Bertelsen Hour 4 10/26/2013 Ignorance “Ignorance is bliss.” Many times I have thought this to be true. But now that we have read Oedipus Rex‚ by Sophocles‚ I’m rethinking my thoughts on this idea. What if Oedipus was better off not knowing his true parents? Could this predicament have been avoided if Oedipus hadn’t known his “true calling” of killing his father and sleeping with his mother? His life‚ in my eyes‚ would have been better being ignorant. He would’ve lived a great and long life
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Professor Mullins EWRT1B 15 February‚ 2014 Compare and Contrast Separated by almost 3000 years of literature‚ two plays can still contain similar elements and characteristics that tie the two together. This is the case between the two plays‚ Oedipus The King and its counterpart Death of a Salesman‚ one written approximately 430 BC and the other written in 1949. When first reading this book‚ one might question‚ what could these stories possibly have in common; one is about a king who discovers
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